The two Texans in the Senate, both key players in the unfolding drama, sought to cast the delay in positive terms.

"The conversation is ongoing," said Republican Whip John Cornyn, the vote counter, before stepping into an elevator out of reach of reporters.

Sen. Ted Cruz, one of four potential conservative holdouts, signaled that a deal could still be made.

"We continue to have productive discussions," he said. "I believe we can get to yes and we will get to yes."

Cruz, one of the leaders in a 13-member working group that has been working to forge a plan that can win a Senate majority, said he thought progress was being made toward his goal lowering premiums that have risen under the Affordable Care Act.

"There's not enough in the current draft to do that, but there are a number of common sense reforms that the working group has discussed for months that I believe will ultimately be reflected in the final draft," Cruz said. "And when they are, I think we will have a final bill that can pass. We're not there yet, but I believe we can get there."

Cruz vowed that if Republicans can agree on a replacement health care plan, "we will be vindicating the promise that we made to the voters."

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